Yes. MY 2008 and older. Google Charles Navarro and Jake Raby. They invented and patented the fix. Cardinal sign is an oil leak.

Yes, the 2002 Boxster like the 911 has the single row IMS bearing that is at the highest risk of failure.  You can install a LN Engineering bearing, but the job isn't cheap or easy.  It is usually done during a clutch replacement since the trans has to be removed for both jobs.  There are two special tools needed that cost close to $1000.  If you can't find loaner tools, your best bet is to have a Porsche specialist do the work.  I was quoted $2500 for the job when I was looking at a car that hadn't yet been done.  The bearing and tools needed cost over $1600, so if you have to buy the tools, it's not really cost effective to do it yourself.  Some people never replace the IMS and take their chances.  The failure rate is about 9% and if it fails, the engine is junk.

I agree with Jeff G. LN Engineering is Charles Navarro's company. Jake Raby owns Flat 6 Engineering. They have collaborated on many projects over the years. Jake does engine workshops for Porsche all over the country to teach how to repair the IMS. 

Another potential problem is the water pumps. The late WC cars use a plastic vane to move coolant. If it shatters, your engine is most likely junk as the tiny plastic pieces find a new home that will confound cooling going forward. 

I don't mean to sound like I don't like these cars. I'm a 20 year PCA member and have been on the board of two different regions. I love them. They're great cars. But you asked, and the answer is there can be significant problems with a small percentage of cars. By significant I mean $.

F.

The most expensive car you will ever own is an inexpensive German car.....   

I see some old names / faces in this thread, that's great to see!  I'm glad the folks from this community are still around to help, the Z group is fantastic!

 

I might have some unique perspective - I had a few Z's in the past, the most recent was my 1972 shown in my avatar.  Around the same time I purchased it, I bought a 1966 Jaguar E-Type, and it needed some work, so the Z had to go.  I sold it for $5,000 (!!!), and while I don't regret it, I miss the car.  I too have seen the Z car pricing of late, it's both a blessing and a curse.  A blessing in the sense that these cars are finally getting their due, but a curse in that I simply won't pay the money people are asking.

 

Along the way, I purchased a Ferrari 308 QV, which is a real hoot.  I love it - it took me YEARS to find one, but I did.  I was over on Ferrari Chat (another forum like Classic Z Cars) almost as long as I've been here and it finally happened about 4 years ago.

 

My point is, patience is a virtue.  While a 996 might give you the enjoyment of a modern car (and believe me, don't take that for granted. Even my '84 308 is still "old", and I at times I yearn for a modern classic), there's so much character in these old cars.  Yes, they aren't necessarily the best daily drivers.  They may be hot, they may smell, they may not be fast, but they are a time machine.  I had a Z when I was in high school, and it was the greatest thing in the world to me then.  When I had my 240Z, I felt like a kid again.

 

I pop back in here from time to time, hoping maybe to get lucky and get a nice Z car.  Or, maybe I'll sell the Jag or Ferrari and convince the guy in Virginia (Brian??) that has all the awesome Z's and 510's with his dad to sell me one!!!

 

Good luck either way!!

41 minutes ago, rdefabri said:

I see some old names / faces in this thread, that's great to see!  I'm glad the folks from this community are still around to help, the Z group is fantastic!

 

I might have some unique perspective - I had a few Z's in the past, the most recent was my 1972 shown in my avatar.  Around the same time I purchased it, I bought a 1966 Jaguar E-Type, and it needed some work, so the Z had to go.  I sold it for $5,000 (!!!), and while I don't regret it, I miss the car.  I too have seen the Z car pricing of late, it's both a blessing and a curse.  A blessing in the sense that these cars are finally getting their due, but a curse in that I simply won't pay the money people are asking.

 

Along the way, I purchased a Ferrari 308 QV, which is a real hoot.  I love it - it took me YEARS to find one, but I did.  I was over on Ferrari Chat (another forum like Classic Z Cars) almost as long as I've been here and it finally happened about 4 years ago.

 

My point is, patience is a virtue.  While a 996 might give you the enjoyment of a modern car (and believe me, don't take that for granted. Even my '84 308 is still "old", and I at times I yearn for a modern classic), there's so much character in these old cars.  Yes, they aren't necessarily the best daily drivers.  They may be hot, they may smell, they may not be fast, but they are a time machine.  I had a Z when I was in high school, and it was the greatest thing in the world to me then.  When I had my 240Z, I felt like a kid again.

 

I pop back in here from time to time, hoping maybe to get lucky and get a nice Z car.  Or, maybe I'll sell the Jag or Ferrari and convince the guy in Virginia (Brian??) that has all the awesome Z's and 510's with his dad to sell me one!!!

 

Good luck either way!!

Hey! Who're you calling old???

17 hours ago, conedodger said:

Hey! Who're you calling old???

LOL!  Well - I'm calling myself old for sure!

What's been going on here - anything exciting?  Definitely looks different, and I'm guessing a lot more members?  Are many of the stalwarts still here (man, I forgot the names, but the gentleman in Florida with the early Z's, the father / son in Virginia I mentioned, and of course there was the gent in Washington that sold his 240Z for a Porsche...my memory is SHOT!!!)?

On 11/24/2016 at 11:52 AM, conedodger said:

I agree with Jeff G. LN Engineering is Charles Navarro's company. Jake Raby owns Flat 6 Engineering. They have collaborated on many projects over the years. Jake does engine workshops for Porsche all over the country to teach how to repair the IMS. 

Another potential problem is the water pumps. The late WC cars use a plastic vane to move coolant. If it shatters, your engine is most likely junk as the tiny plastic pieces find a new home that will confound cooling going forward. 

I don't mean to sound like I don't like these cars. I'm a 20 year PCA member and have been on the board of two different regions. I love them. They're great cars. But you asked, and the answer is there can be significant problems with a small percentage of cars. By significant I mean $.

not to derail this thread, but I see a lot of plastic cooling parts in European cars. Scary, just scary. 

5 hours ago, rdefabri said:

LOL!  Well - I'm calling myself old for sure!

What's been going on here - anything exciting?  Definitely looks different, and I'm guessing a lot more members?  Are many of the stalwarts still here (man, I forgot the names, but the gentleman in Florida with the early Z's, the father / son in Virginia I mentioned, and of course there was the gent in Washington that sold his 240Z for a Porsche...my memory is SHOT!!!)?

Carl Beck is the Florida guy. Still around.

not sure of the other two. 

Ive had the same 240Z for decades. The Porsches came about because private industry pays lots for than academia. As an aside, I've had my eye on a 308 sitting outside a house in South Reno in a cul de sac for a couple of years now. I'm getting better at avoiding projects though... 

2 minutes ago, conedodger said:

Carl Beck is the Florida guy. Still around.

not sure of the other two. 

Ive had the same 240Z for decades. The Porsches came about because private industry pays lots for than academia. As an aside, I've had my eye on a 308 sitting outside a house in South Reno in a cul de sac for a couple of years now. I'm getting better at avoiding projects though... 

A project 308 is a big project to undertake!  But if it's been (relatively) cared for, they are quite reliable for Ferraris and MAN are they fun to drive.

Diseaszd is the guy in Virginia with the cool Z's and 510's.  I recalled Carl Beck after I posted, the guy in Washington (or Oregon) had a nice red / orange Z - good guy, moved on to a Porsche.  I think he's still here as I saw his Porsche from visiting the site.

Obviously Mike is still running the joint, also good to see!

Are you thinking about Arne?